Arsenal secured a commanding 4-1 victory over Aston Villa, enhancing their Premier League title aspirations, while Manchester United struggled against the struggling Wolves.
Arsenal ended Aston Villa’s 11-match winning streak, establishing a five-point lead in the Premier League, as Chelsea and Manchester United missed opportunities to enter the top four.
Wolves managed to earn only their third point of the season with a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, while Chelsea has won just once in their last seven league matches after a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth in the latest round of English top-flight fixtures on Saturday.
Arsenal avenged their only defeat in the past 25 matches across all competitions earlier this month at Villa Park, taking a strong hold on the title race.
Concerns about Villa’s ability to compete with Arsenal and Manchester City over the course of the season were confirmed as Unai Emery’s side was overwhelmed in the second half at the Emirates.
After a closely contested first half, where Villa had opportunities through Ollie Watkins, Arsenal unleashed their attack.
Read also:
- Palmer scores as Chelsea secures 2-0 victory over Everton, ending winless streak
- Premier League records 103 of new positive COVID-19 cases
- Superb Harry Kane blows Premier League title open
Mikel Arteta’s team broke the deadlock with a set-piece, as Gabriel Magalhaes overpowered Emi Martinez to score upon his return from a hamstring injury.
Martin Odegaard then provided a brilliant through-ball to set up Martin Zubimendi, who quickly doubled the Gunners’ advantage.
Two impressive long-range goals from Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus further compounded Villa’s woes.
Watkins managed to score a consolation goal, but third-placed Villa now trails the leaders by six points.
In another showdown, Manchester City has succeeded by climbing to two points when they face Sunderland on January 1.
Joshua Zirkzee’s deflected shot gave Manchester United the lead, as Ladislav Krejci’s header ended Wolves’ 12-match losing streak.
Ruben Amorim’s team remains in sixth place, two points shy of the top four.
